EXIST model projects

The EXIST model projects are part of the EXIST program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

The EXIST model projects are part of the EXIST program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Since 2021, this has included the four EXIST AI model projects from four important German AI regions - Hamburg, Munich, Darmstadt and Berlin. In these regions, selected AI start-ups receive comprehensive support that goes beyond the regular EXIST funding.

Since 2024, EXIST has been funding "The Migrant Accelerator" on behalf of the BMWE as part of a pilot project. The Migrant Accelerator supports migrant founders with knowledge- and technology-based business ideas who want to set up in Germany. The aim is to overcome hurdles for international founders and make it easier for them to enter the market. The Migrant Accelerator is also aimed at stakeholders in the funding and support landscape and helps to make the existing innovation ecosystem and the start-up landscape in Germany more inclusive.

With the model project "StArfrica - Startup Germany-Africa", EXIST is also working on behalf of the BMWE to create a start-up-related continental bridge between Germany and Africa. The aim of the project is to make Germany more attractive as a start-up location for African start-up teams and start-ups from the scientific community and at the same time to facilitate the market entry of German start-up teams and start-ups in Africa.

Startup Labor Schwedt is a model project that promotes an industrial transformation process in Schwedt/Oder through innovative start-up solutions. It aims to integrate future technologies into industry and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research and Culture. The project is being developed by the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development in cooperation with the two Schwedt-based industrial companies PCK Raffinerie Schwedt GmbH and LEIPA Group GmbH

The Migrant Accelerator

The model project The Migrant Accelerator supports migrant founders with knowledge- and technology-based business ideas who want to set up in Germany.

StArfrica

StArfrica - The aim of StArtup Germany-Africa is to make Germany more attractive as a start-up location for African start-up teams and start-ups from the scientific community and at the same time to facilitate the market entry of German start-up teams and start-ups in Africa.

Startup Lab Schwedt

The Startup Lab Schwedt offers start-ups the opportunity to test and further develop their innovations in a real industrial environment. The spirit and speed of the start-ups is intended to support the industrial transformation in Schwedt.

chemstars

chemstars promotes innovative approaches in chemical research and supports start-ups in the development of marketable technologies. The project offers expert advice, access to networks and funding for the implementation of pioneering ideas.

K.I.E.Z.

K.I.E.Z. is primarily aimed at AI start-ups from Berlin's universities. The aim is to support science-related start-ups in the field of artificial intelligence as well as their scaling and internationalization.

AI Startup Rising

In Hesse, with AI Startup Rising an internationally visible AI innovation ecosystem. It primarily supports research-based deep-tech start-ups in the growth and internationalization phase.

AI.STARTUP.HUB

In the Hamburg metropolitan region AI.STARTUP.HUB AI start-ups to achieve the necessary venture and international readiness. Start-ups from the Aviation, Maritime, GreenTech and MedTech sectors are particularly in demand.

AI+MUNICH

With AI+MUNICH The aim is to create an AI ecosystem that is embedded in the diverse entrepreneurship activities at the innovation hub of Munich. The focus is on deep-tech start-ups that strive for responsible and impact-oriented entrepreneurship.